Fridays Plays
Miami Marlins Even
New York Mets-119
I'm not going to go into specifics about last nights debacle in Miami as i'm sure all of you are aware of what took place. I will, However, say that I found the information I was looking for. I was wondering how the Marlins would respond a day after being robbed of a game in the middle of a playoff race.
After listening to Manager Mike Redmond, in his post game interview. I feel comfortable in knowing that he has what it takes to rally and pick his guys up. "Those guys in New York decided the outcome of that game. I don't blame Mike Winters. He was on it. He knew the call on the field was right and he told me that when I was out there. So as a manager you sit there and look your players in the face, and my job is to pump these guys up and keep those guys going every single day," Redmond said.
I was impressed by the words of Redmond, not only does he understand how debilitating a loss like this can be to a young team, but that its HIS job as a Manager to console and be there for his guys. In addition to this, he did a stellar job of damage control as he absolved the umpiring crew that were there, a crew, that will be calling the games for the rest of the series (nice one Mike). Similarly, Doc Rivers shouldered the blame after the Sterling incident of not being there for his players. The Clippers got blown out by Golden State the very next night and Doc Rivers realized what he should have done as a coach but it was too late.
These are the intangibles you cant find in a box score. But are equally, if not more important than any stat or trend ( not nockin just saying). They are important because intangibles can affect a collective whole as seen with the Clippers. Thats why its important to check the temperature or pulse if you will, of that whole. I feel very confident the Marlins shake it off and get back to playing baseball in a big way tomorrow.
I was taking notes during last nights game and at one point, Koehler had retired 20 of 23 Reds hitters in 4 pitches or less (YES KHOELER not Kershaw) In the Fifth inning Reds 1b Brayan Pena had a lead off Double and was left stranded. In the 8th the Reds had the bases loaded and nobody out. They almost came away empty there as well but you know how that ended Christmas came early in the form of a present from New York City.
I Look for a composed group of Fish tomorrow as it will, and as it should be business as usual, Marlins-even is my pick.
The Giants head to the Big Apple to take on Jonathon niese and the Metropolitans. In the last 7 games the Giants are averaging 1.9 RPG and are 1 for their last 25 when scoring three runs or less. In his Career Jonathon Niese is 1-2 with a 2.88 era in 6 career starts vs Frisco.
NY is also 5-1 in Nieses last 6 home starts I like Niese to pick it up in the second half this will be his 3rd start since comming of the DL with a sore shoulder. In his last outing, he shut down the Brewers for four innings before giving up three in the 5th.
I look for a stronger performance from Niese at home San Frans offense should help him out with his pitch count and I'm seeing six or seven solid innings out of him.
The Giants are a thin bunch who are still without scootero, Belt, and Pagan. I just don't see them mustering the offense in this spot to hang with the boys from NY. The Mets get it done tonight Best all ZIGGYBEATS!